John's Stories

Projects

A glimpse into John’s storytelling journey.

White Coffee

"White Coffee" is structured in the tradition of the Phillip Marlowe and Sam Spade detective novels, evoking the atmosphere of classic 1940s private investigator films. The narrative is direct yet incorporates an engaging twist.

This narrative demonstrates effective pacing and cohesion, featuring traditional elements characteristic of the genre. The protagonist, Callaghan, is a determined and principled private investigator who maintains a strong commitment to his work. He engages in a supportive and collegial partnership with his assistant, Karen, and interacts respectfully with accomplished individuals such as Assistant District Attorney Carol, as well as others including Jill and Susan. His interactions with law enforcement, particularly Chief of Detectives Lieutenant Hayes, are marked by professionalism and mutual regard.

You have the colorful cast of buddies and cronies, often ex—cops or ex—military men, who are fiercely loyal to Callaghan and materialize at a moment's notice to do whatever he needs done , whether it' s research or providing food and drink or transporting witnesses to safe houses or comforting him after the murder of a beloved or determinedly covering him during a nasty, extended shoot out there are organi zed crime figures and the questionable law enforcement officers, and the specter of blackmail because of one character's weakness for young girls. Attention is given to well—tuned automobiles, natty attire and well stocked bars.

The place is New York City, the season is Christmas and the snow keeps falling, serving in a light handed way as a metaphor for both a suspected traffic in cocaine and the blurring and hiddenness of the solution Cal is seeking to a mystery. The case evolves after he receives a call from the Chairman and CEO of the blue chip Clemente Corporation.

Joe Clemente has been informed that a major drug trafficking operation has been conducted for some time right under his nose, facilitated by Byzantine corporate merging and sub—structuring He wants Cal to quietly investigate what appears to be an alarming situation. when a man with a spider web tattoo on his bald head commits a shocking murder in public and Evans, an intern in the DA's office, is left standing over the body with the knife in his hand, then central mystery is established.

Many law enforcement agencies are drawn into the action, including the NYPD, the DA's office and the FBI. A one point, there's a lengthy edgy meeting in Lt. Hayes office of all their representatives, along with Callaghan and his side kick Wild Bill, to plan a major bust.

The bust operation itself is presented in great detail, with the requisite tension and explosive action.

The novel 's fine opening sets a tone of up—close intimacy. The solution: of the murder in the final chapter comes as an unexpected twist around very personal passions an foibles, and is brought off by the author in the best manner of the genre.

This is a good, quick, easy read.

Gayle

My Journey

My work encompasses the creation of 'White Coffee', The Wilder, and completion of the second draft of Mandate on the Slopes, the second installment in the Callaghan novel series. Additionally, I am compiling poetry and writings by my father for publication, while developing new stories. Through these projects, I explore human relationships and the narratives that influence our lives

Books

Current Projects

White Coffee - In final draft.

In development

'Mandate on the Slopes' another Callaghan adventure